The High Court in Bloemfontein has authorised the final forfeiture of six luxury properties and a high-end SUV worth R32 million linked to the irregular Free State asbestos tender. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the order.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed a High Court order in Bloemfontein authorising the final forfeiture of six luxury properties and a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG SUV valued at R32 million. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the court found on a balance of probabilities that the assets constituted proceeds of unlawful activities, including fraud, corruption, theft, contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act and money laundering. The properties and vehicle were used in money laundering offences linked to the irregular R230 million Free State asbestos roofing tender. Kganyago noted: “It should be noted that this forfeiture order is distinct from the criminal recovery order that requires a conviction and is civil in nature. The respondents in the forfeiture application failed to discharge the burden of proving innocent owner defence as they raised a bare denial with no credible evidence demonstrating legitimate source of funding for the acquisition of the assets in question hence the final forfeiture order in favour of the State.” The forfeited assets include high-value properties in Sandton, Hartebeespoort, Wonderboom, Randburg and Parys, as well as the SUV purchased in cash.
